हाथी मेरे साथी

(Rated on the basis of watching on T.V. 41 years after release)

Plot: A little boy, Raju grows up with a group of elephants who become his soul-mates. But can they live happily ever after?

Review: Children's cinema was a rarity in the 70's decade which was dominated by action-dramas. But one big exception was "Haathi Mere Saathi"(1971), directed by M.A.Thirumugham which was inspired from his own Tamil hit, "Vettaikkaaran"(1964).

The screenplay was penned by the legendary script-writing duo of Salim- Javed, who here were making their debut. It was a story about friendship, loyalty, misunderstanding and sacrifice. But unlike other films, here this message was spread through a bond between humans and the immensely lovable, elephants! Brilliantly written; it packed in all the essential elements- a tense beginning, romance, a tragic twist, fight-back, misunderstanding and a high-octane climax packed by several heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments! The script laid the solid foundation on which the pachyderms & co. stole the show.

In those days, it wasn't prevalent to take the little ones to watch movies; especially Hindi films! They were either too violent or too romantically matured. But they never missed out in case a film like "Haathi Mere Saathi" came around. While the parents shied away their children from other Rajesh Khanna hits like "Aradhana", "Amar Prem", and "Daag"; there was no escaping the charm of the then-reigning-superstar of Bollywood in this flick. But the undeniable superstars here were the tuskers who won our hearts with their frolics and actions displaying a superb mixture of innocence and intelligence. They made the humans look like supporting actors to them. Hats off to their trainers! But it would be a terrible mistake to believe it is just an elephant-based film going by the title. The lions, tigers, bears and alligators, all deserve their place of honour. However incredible the antiques of the tuskers appeared; the wedding-feast sequence and the climax-song where the cast members are surrounded by these four-legged friends, are jaw-dropping and drop-dead stunning! One must rub their eyes in disbelief. They were one surprise the viewers were least expecting but couldn't thank their stars enough for witnessing it. The circus-stunts (especially, the jump from the tower after the hero sets himself on fire) are bonus treats for children and grown-ups alike! The last half-an-hour strike a hammer blow in the viewers' hearts; but yet one would only take back happy memories from the film.

Rajesh Khanna slipped into his role with typical élan. He consciously portrayed himself as a friend of the animals, never as a master. It was tough to be convincing as someone whose orders are obeyed by wild animals. But he pulled it off with his trademark grace and ever-charming smile. Tanuja looked gorgeous and portrayed the concerns of an insecure mother, convincingly. She shared a sweet and lovely chemistry with 'Kaka'; it's a pity we didn't get to see this pair in too many films. It was surprising to see Sujit Kumar play a negative role, but he did full justice to it. The remaining cast including Madan Puri and Jr. Mehmood were good as well. But the best performers undoubtedly were the non- humans; especially the elephant, Ramu who put in the most assured performance. There are just no words to describe him. Take a bow, Ramu!

The title-track, having superb antaras, is the best song of the film; all of which are scored by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 'Nafrat Ki Duniya' is brilliantly sung by Rafi; though the attention got diverted by its spell-binding picturisation on 'Kaka' surrounded by tigers and lions on both sides. 'Dilbar Jani' and 'Duniya Mein Jeena' are also praise-worthy tracks. The composers must also be lauded for the impressive theme-score where trumpets were used to replicate the voice of the tuskers.

Although commendably written, the script lacks logic at places. The basic premise itself of a man affording to keep four elephants is hard to believe. The 'munshi', who bought ration for the elephants from his own pocket, didn't seem so money-minded to switch allegiances. It was more incredible that Raju could feed himself and four elephants with a daily earning of just Rs.250 when they were driven out on the streets! Lastly, the rise of Raju from a street-performer to the owner of a private zoo was too swift to be convincing. His progress needed to be depicted in more detail.

But the biggest deficiency in the film, which prevents it from being termed 'great', is its sub-standard editing. Also handled by the director himself, he fails to replicate his skills behind the camera on the editing table. The first signs were evident from the thrilling elephant-leopard tussle at the beginning; but one could excuse that considering the difficulty in executing the shot. But it was unacceptable when shots were repeated in a couple of songs and the same close-up of an elephant's eye being used repeatedly. The two sequences of shooting of elephants, Tanu's father lying to her about Raju and Raju lying ill in a temple are clumsily edited. Poor editing injects apprehension into the viewers' mind regarding the style of unfolding of the film as the editor is the overseer of the final product. The editing sticks out like a sore thumb in this otherwise gem of a film.

"Haathi Mere Saathi" spreads a message of harmony (exemplified by the peaceful co-existence of lions and goats together). It will live on as an ideal film for children but it sends out important lessons for grown- ups as well. The elephants teach us how to be true human-beings.

Box-Office Verdict: The film became the highest-grossing blockbuster of 1971. The title-track remains popular even after four decades. It also won the National Award and became the last of Rajesh Khanna's unbroken record of 15 consecutive hits. It was remade by the makers in Tamil as "Nalla Neram" in 1972. It's regarded as the finest children's film made in Bollywood.

Now, kill me if I can remember anything in particular about this movie. Beside the fact that it was 3 hours long and I spilled tones of tears during that time. No other film had made me cry so much for no reason at all. There is some hidden sentimentality in human species that makes him cry - most often some sad event of Bereavement - but in cinema there are instances unexplained. So it was the soundtrack of this Bollywood movie that has remained unchallenged hit for all times in Hindu cinema.

My personal memories from 40 years ago reveal the phenomenon of full cinema saloons with standing people interspersed between rows. Most were Gypsies of various age. That doesn't mean that Bulgaria (that's me) as a full member of European Union is Gypsy state. Most of them are of mixed origins, some of them cohabit with the Turks minority and at least half of that vagrant population is Christian. It's a matter of cultural adaptation and educational policy.

I see from the release info that "Haathi Mere Saathi" (1971) was projected only in Portugal and Bulgaria. Gosh, why don't you see it in America as well. Hundred percent guarantee that the end scene where elephant is being shot in the eye would heal your heart. Actors / actresses are beautiful by any standard and cars are fashionable. Thank you!

This movie is one the biggest hits of Super Star Rajesh Khanna and is a movie which made him popular with kids who grew up seeing his future movies. This movie is about the relationship/bondage between man and animal. Elephants play an equally important role with Rajesh Khanna in the movie and the movie revolves around them. Tanuja playing the heroine also contributes. The movie has excellent music by Laxmikant Pyarelal who have composed some great hits for this movie sung by Kishore Kumar. One song of Mohammad Rafi is a class. The movie is a must see for movie watchers of all ages and especially the kids will enjoy this classic.

Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) : Brief Review -

Rajesh Khanna's biggest blockbuster of the 70s decade is an evergreen emotional rollercoaster. Can animal-based films be such tearjerkers? Pet films have a long history, mostly because they were emotionally appealing. Be it the modern films like Charlie 777 (2022) or Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) or Hollywood's golden era classics like "Lassie Came Home" (1943), animated flick "The Lady and the Tramp" (1955), or coming-of-age drama "Old Yeller" (1957), we all cried while watching these films. But Haathi Mere Saathi has epic "Nafarat Duniya Ko," sung by Mohammed Rafi, man. How can any other film challenge that? The lyrics actually put humans at shame for their inhumanity towards animals. They are more loyal than humans, and that's why the lyricist says, "Pyaar ki duniya me khush rehna mere yaar." This is beyond any emotional experience. Beyond a tearjerker segment. The director has so many things to tell and so beautifully. Tanuja tells Ramu, "Jab tak tu Zinda hai me uss Ghar me wapas nahi aaungi," and she actually returns after he is dead. The doctor says, "Bhagwan pe bharosa rakho," and the next moment you have four elephants bathing Lord Ganesha's idol, and they start praying. Which pet/animal-driven film has such brilliant scenes, tell me? Convincing audiences with such films is the most difficult job, and that's why we don't have many blockbusters made on such topics. HMS tops the list. One of the major reasons was superstar Rajesh Khanna's presence and super hit songs, I agree, but convincing Rajesh Khanna to sign a sort of remake of a flop film in his peak period was a task itself. Writers Salim-Javed, director, and producer not only convinced Kaka but also the audience to make it a blockbuster film. It tells a lot about the impact the film must have left on the public. It just leaves you in so much pain and so many emotions that it just stays in your memory.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I first saw this film in India when I was 5 years old. I remembered that I really liked it then, and was quite pleased to find it 30 years later via the Internet.

I'm glad to say that it has lost none of its magic. The story of Raju and his elephant buddy Ramoo makes for a truly unique film. The best way I can sum it up, without giving too much away, is that it is reminiscent of older Disney films, but with a uniquely Indian feel. Suffice to say, there are not many countries in the world where a story of a man growing up with elephants could be told in such an effective manner. The trained animal sequences alone are worthy of films such as "The Bear".

With regards to the inevitable singing and dancing in a Bollywood production, the songs are wonderful and there are far fewer of them than in standard Bollywood fare. Additionally, as opposed to the more modern Indian films, the dancing is refreshingly non-professional and consists mostly of the hero and heroine scampering about and waving their arms - which only adds to the overall charm of this film.